March 4, 1986: Aston Villa 2, Oxford United 2

Two John Aldridge goals left Oxford United knowing a win over Aston Villa at The Manor Ground eight days later would see them into a first major final, WRITES JACK SALE.

A crowd of 23,095 – including an estimated 7,000 U’s fans – flocked to Villa Park for an entertaining Milk Cup semi-final first leg.

Aldridge gave United the lead after just eight minutes, slamming home a Ray Houghton cross.

Paul Birch hit back for Villa before the break, though, and Simon Stainrod made it 2-1 early in the second half after the U’s failed to clear a corner.

But just a minute later United were awarded a penalty when Aldridge was brought down by Villa captain Alan Evans.

Aldridge took it himself and scored, the keeper going the right way but failing to stop the striker netting his 23rd goal of the campaign.

Jeremy Charles had a chance to win the game for United late on, but his header was tame when teed up by Aldridge.

So, the two teams headed to The Manor for the second leg all-square.

United: Judge, Trewick, Slatter, Phillips, Briggs, Shotton, Houghton, Aldridge, Charles, Hebberd, Rhoades-Brown. Sub: Langan.